BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

How to shoot people under stage lighting at night?

There will probably be about 5-7 people in each shot.

I'm using a Canon Digital Rebel xti with Ef-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 lens and 580EX Speedlite flash.

Is there anything in particular I
need to know about stage lighting?

Is it best to shoot in av mode?

Should I use a diffuser?

When is it best to bounce flash?

Thanks,
z

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February 27, 2007

If you're using flash it'll mix with the stage lighting.
Which is a good thing. Imo it enlivens the images.
Want the stage lights to be more visible/influential in your images? Use slower shutter speeds (set cam to Tv = shutter speed priority).

"Is it best to shoot in av mode?"

No, with flash Tv mode is better (if below your cam's sync speed): stage lights may change rapidly. It's convenient (and waaay quicker) to let the cam sort the aperture out for itself. YOU've got to concentrate on catching the right moments! You don't need distractions by aperture settings, etc.

"Should I use a diffuser?"

No, because it will cut down your flash range to below 1/3rd.

"When is it best to bounce flash?"

When there is a low, white ceiling available against which you CAN bounce. Which I don't expect to be the case at a public awards ceremony, because those usually occur in theatre-like settings.

For more info type "concert" in the search box at the top of this page and hit enter.

Have fun!

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February 27, 2007

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February 27, 2007

shoot RAW!

The JPG's you get from RAW files – after (proper) editing – are waaay better image quality than the JPG's that the camera creates.

If you shoot "RAW+" (creates 2 files of each exposure: a RAW file and a JPG) you can clearly SEE the difference in image quality when you put the JPG up on your screen next to the JPG you created from the RAW file.
Recommended! It's an eye-opener!

Have fun!

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February 27, 2007